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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

“What a appalling and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.